Things to Do in Miraflores, Peru

Most travelers to Peru find themselves in Lima at one time or another and the majority of those passing through will end up spending at least a day or two in Peru's capitol city. A favorite spot for visitors to Lima is the tourist friendly district of Miraflores, a bustling area with a variety of hotels and hostels, all within walking distance of plenty of shopping and dining. If you plan on staying a day or two in Miraflores, here are a few sights you won't want to miss.

The Indian Market - Located on Av. Petit Thouars, the Indian (or Inca) Market is actually a strip of markets several blocks long where all sorts of handmade and artisanal goods can be found at very good prices. There shops carry a wide variety of products, from alpaca wool textiles to fine silver to pottery replicas of ancient pre-Incan designs.

LarcoMar - if you're looking for a more upscale shopping experience, you'll want to visit the LarcoMar entertainment complex, located on the cliffs overlooking the ocean at the end of Av. Larco. The complex features plenty of unique and exclusive shops with everything from souvenirs to sporting goods. It also houses a movie theater, bowling alley, and several restaurants - and has a spectacular view of the Pacific on sunny days.

Paragliding - Perhaps shopping isn't your thing, and you're looking for something with a little more action? Then you might be interested in paragliding over the Miraflores cliffs. The breeze coming in from the ocean provides for some fantastic lift - the area is well known among paragliders for smooth flights with little turbulence. Check out the 'parapuerto' in Parque Raimondo; there are various companies that provide tandem flights.

Huaca Pucllana - One of the truly fascinating things about Lima is the way that ancient history can be found hidden in the middle of the modern world, and no where is this more obvious than at the Huaca Pucllana (wah-kah poo-kyawn-a). The Huaca itself is a pyramid built from adobe bricks that was used as a ceremonial and training center for priests, and is located on Block 8 of Av. Gral. Borgoña in the middle of a residential area of Miraflores. The site now features a museum and an exhibition of local flora and fauna. If you're hungry, visit the nearby Restaurant Huaca Pucllana for fine dining.

Casinos - If you enjoy gambling, Miraflores is home to several fine casinos. The Atlantic City Casino on Av. Larco is one of the nicest, and features slots, game tables and simulcasting of sports events and horse racing. Besides gambling, the casino has a restaurant with fine dining, a convention center and a karaoke bar.

Parque Kennedy - For travelers looking for a place to sit and people-watch, you can't beat the area around Parque Kennedy. In the park, have a glass of chicha morada and a bag of sweet popcorn while children play and couples pass arm in arm. Weekend afternoons, you can find art vendors and hand made crafts for sale. Weekend evenings, there's dancing in the center of the park - fun to watch, or join in! All around the park, there are restaurants featuring every thing from ice cream and snacks to delicious meals and drinks. Don't miss 'Calle de las Pizzas', (Pizza Alley) - on the east side of the park. It's a great place to grab a meal or spend a night out dancing.

Miraflores is one of the more upscale districts of Lima, and is generally considered one of the safest. While the area is not considered dangerous, it's always best to keep an eye open and beware of pickpockets. Don't carry excess amounts of cash, and keep your wallet in your front pocket - or use a waist pouch. Carry bags and purses carefully, and don't leave things like cameras or bags lying on tables or next to you on benches. By following a few simple safety rules, you can avoid being a victim, and can be assured of having a great time during your visit to Miraflores, Peru.